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Chapter 9: Housing and economic security in retirement
This chapter of the report 'A husband is not a retirement plan' - Achieving economic security for women in retirement (Commonwealth of Australia, 2016), discusses the increase in the number of Australians, particularly women, who are relying on private rental accommodation in retirement.
A number of participants in the inquiry highlighted the interrelationship between housing and econom
2016
Themes:
Senior Cohousing in Cost-Cutting Research
This paper concerns the issue of senior cohousing, with particular emphasis on the residents' gender. It looks at the 'feminisation of ageing' where in Poland, 80% of people 65+ living alone are women.
2016
Themes:
Valuing Retirement Housing Exploring the economic effects of specialist housing for older people
The consequence of poor housing can be catastrophic. Older people in particular can see their quality of life diminish through frustration and misery at a lack of independence; and a hastened path to illness, hospitalisation and ultimately an earlier death.
This UK report reveals that the impacts of inappropriate housing for older people.
2016
Themes:
Nowhere To Go - Older Women and Housing Vulnerability
In 2011, according to ABS Census data, there were 135,494 women aged 55 and older in the private rental market, up from 91,549 who were counted in the 2006 Census. These figures are likely to underestimate the real number of older women who are renters, especially those with an informal or sublet rental agreement.
2016
In Germany, retirees have found a novel way to avoid being alone
Germany’s population is Europe’s oldest, second only to Japan globally. Today’s seniors are living vastly different lives than the previous generations. They are more likely to be on their own, live longer after retirement, and spend those years in better shape.
2016
What would it take to make an age-friendly city?
The challenges of caring for older people are growing as we live longer. By 2050 an estimated 83.7 million people in the US will be over 65.
2016
Themes:
Agile housing for an Ageing Australia
By 2055, Australia’s 65+ population will have doubled and, if current strategies are followed, it is likely that the housing available will be inappropriate. Today’s housing stock will still be in use yet few developers and designers are capitalising on the potential of agile housing and, more broadly, the creation of age-friendly neighbourhoods.
2016
Forget "downsizing", think "rightsizing" to meet older people's housing needs and aspirations
In the UK, many older people live in homes that are probably too big for their needs and budgets. If they were encouraged to downsize, and also given the choice of housing that would make downsizing appealing, they might well be persuaded to sell their home to a family who actually needs that sort of space.
2016
Is Housing of Importance to Mental Health?
Poor housing quality is often associated with poor physical health such as respiratory illness from dampness, but the impact of housing on mental health should not be underestimated. Under the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, housing would fall under the bottom 2 tiers as in Figure 1, as a place to fulfil basic needs of warmth, rest, security and safety.
2016
Themes:
Building Affordable Elderly Housing: How New Zealand’s planning system influences market outcomes
This paper explores the changing demographics of New Zealand’s elderly, the influence of the current planning system, and how planning has hindered the market’s ability to provide affordable elderly housing in areas of highest demand.
2016


"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."